Abstract:

More than 4 million people in the US use canes, and more than 60% are over 65 years old. While canes are a widely used mobility device, and reimbursable under Medicare, cane owners report a high number of problems in their use. This paper based on the University of Buffalo Consumer Assessments Study (CAS), examines the results of interviews with 105 non-institutionalised elders who use and report problems with their canes. Almost half of all problems encountered with canes related to difficult or risky use resulting in accidents of tripping or getting tangled up, or abandonment because the cane was too heavy or clumsy to use. This paper also provides background on the design of canes and the recommended clinical approaches for their prescription.